A person who contaminated treats with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the children "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in recently.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained items including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained Ruben continued to play the "treat game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police again.
She stated the defendant then played the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
